Tue Sep 10 18:22:00 UTC 2024: ## U.S. Treasury Sanctions Key Figure in Jalisco Cartel’s Fuel Theft Network

**MEXICO CITY** – The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned a key figure in Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation cartel, known as “the Tank,” for his alleged role in leading the cartel’s fuel theft operation. Ivan Cazarin Molina, who earns his nickname from the massive storage tanks he manages in Veracruz, is accused of generating tens of millions of dollars annually by selling stolen gasoline through a network of seemingly legitimate businesses.

Cazarin Molina was one of nine Mexicans and 26 Mexico-based entities sanctioned on Tuesday by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The sanctions target individuals and businesses believed to be fueling the cartel’s illicit activities.

Fuel theft has plagued Mexico for years, costing the government and state-owned oil company Pemex billions of dollars. Criminal groups utilize various methods, including tapping pipelines, hijacking tanker trucks, and even stealing directly from refineries. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador deployed the army to combat this issue early in his term.

According to the U.S. Treasury, Cazarin Molina reports directly to the Jalisco cartel leader, Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” who carries a $10 million U.S. reward for his capture. The stolen gasoline is stored in tanks controlled by Cazarin Molina and then sold through a network of gas stations, disguised with professional-looking logos and names such as “Etanofuel” and “G Energy.” Some of the fuel is even sold to third parties and then exported to the United States.

The sanctions also target Cazarin Molina’s brother, father-in-law, and nephew, who are allegedly involved in cartel activities despite some being imprisoned in Mexico. The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets held by these individuals and companies and prohibit U.S. citizens from engaging in business with them.

Read More